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Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti refused to talk about football amid the Valencia football tragedy. Notably, AC Milan are set to lock horns with Real Madrid in a UEFA Champions League clash on Wednesday (IST). However, the Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti opined that the game should take a back seat amid the tragedy that has claimed more than 200 lives as of now. Notably, after a request by La Liga to the Royal Spanish FA (RFEF), Real Madrid’s trip to Valencia and Villarreal’s game against Rayo Vallecano were postponed.
The RFEF postponed five Copa del Rey matches after several clubs from Valencia requested for postponement once again. During the pre-match conference, Ancelotti said, “It’s been a week of tragedy and we have sadness. This is the emotion. We are very close to Valencia and all the people affected. We are close to them and hopefully it can be resolved soon. I want you to understand that talking about football is complicated. So is playing football. We are part of this country and this affects a lot."
I don’t feel like talking about football: Ancelotti in pre-match conference
During the conference, Ancelotti added, "Out of respect for everyone, I will try to keep the press conference as simple as possible, because I don't feel like talking about football. Also, for me, it's a special match tomorrow I will try to talk as little as possible.”
“Football is a party and you can only celebrate and party when you, your family and everybody is well. When people are not well, you don't party,” BBC quoted him as saying. "Football has to stop. Because it is the most important of the least important things in life. But we are not the decision-makers. We have to follow the instructions of those who are in charge. There are many ways to help. Football had to stop and then help. Everyone has been clear about it - nobody wanted to play,” he added.
Notably, Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone and his Barcelona counterpart Hansi Flick criticised La Liga for continuing with round of league fixtures despite the floods in Valencia, Spain.
